Johnnie Cochran

Johnnie L. Cochran Jr. died of a brain tumor at his home in Los Angeles on Tuesday. Cochran, who was 67, became a legal superstar after helping clear O.J. Simpson during a sensational murder trial in which he uttered the famous quote ``If it doesn't fit, you must acquit.” Though his career was certainly marked by celebrity cases and clientele, his family said in a statement that he was most proud of the work he did on behalf of those in the community. Over the years, Cochran was known for championing the causes of black defendants like football great Jim Brown, actor Todd Bridges, rapper Tupac Shakur and rapper Snoop Dogg. He also represented former Black Panther Elmer ``Geronimo'' Pratt, who spent 27 years in prison for a murder he didn't commit. In 1997, when Cochran helped Pratt win his freedom, he called the moment ``the happiest day of my life practicing law.'' John talks with Connie Rice, Civil Rights Attorney and Co-Director of the Advancement Project, Laurie Levenson, Professor of Law and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at Loyola Law School, and Gerald Uelman, Professor of Law and Director of the Edwin A. Heafly Jr. Center for Trial and Appellate Advocacy, Santa Clara University School of Law.

Johnnie L. Cochran Jr. died of a brain tumor at his home in Los Angeles on Tuesday. Cochran, who was 67, became a legal superstar after helping clear O.J. Simpson during a sensational murder trial in which he uttered the famous quote ``If it doesn't fit, you must acquit.” Though his career was certainly marked by celebrity cases and clientele, his family said in a statement that he was most proud of the work he did on behalf of those in the community. Over the years, Cochran was known for championing the causes of black defendants like football great Jim Brown, actor Todd Bridges, rapper Tupac Shakur and rapper Snoop Dogg. He also represented former Black Panther Elmer ``Geronimo'' Pratt, who spent 27 years in prison for a murder he didn't commit. In 1997, when Cochran helped Pratt win his freedom, he called the moment ``the happiest day of my life practicing law.'' John talks with Connie Rice, Civil Rights Attorney and Co-Director of the Advancement Project, Laurie Levenson, Professor of Law and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at Loyola Law School, and Gerald Uelman, Professor of Law and Director of the Edwin A. Heafly Jr. Center for Trial and Appellate Advocacy, Santa Clara University School of Law.